Alstom signs deal to bring elevated rail lines to Baghdad and Basra

French engineer Alstom has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Iraqi government for the development of urban transport in Baghdad and Basra.

The agreement, which took place during an intergovernmental meeting, covers two projects. The first is for a 20km elevated line in Baghdad, for which Alstom will supply the rolling stock and the track.

The second focuses on the development of the metro system in Basra, which will consist of two elevated lines, one running north–south, the other east–west. Each will be about 30km long, with 15 stations and one depot for each line.

Alstom say the projects will “significantly contribute to the development of the country’s urban infrastructure and national economy”.

Bernard Peille, managing director of Alstom in Western and Central Asia, said: “We appreciate the opportunity to develop industrial cooperation with the Republic of Iraq, in order to better address the country’s needs for urban transportation.

“Alstom is ready to bring its innovative technologies and sees the signature of this MoU as a first step towards the development of a long-term partnership with Iraq.”

Alstom currently has 3,800 employees and 1,800 suppliers in the Middle East & Africa.

Image: Baghdad (Wikimedia Commons)

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